Physical Best Lifelong Fitness for Every Student

Physical Best: A Comprehensive Fitness Education Program

SHAPE America’s Physical Best program equips physical educators to teach and assess health-related fitness using standards-based activities that complement any PE curriculum.

Long considered the gold standard for teaching fitness education in PE, Physical Best is used in schools — and taught in undergraduate PETE programs — nationwide.

By emphasizing personal goal setting and growth, Physical Best empowers all students to achieve their individual physical best and build a strong foundation for lifelong physical activity.

Why Choose Physical Best?

The Physical Best instructional approach increases the likelihood that young people will pursue healthy, physically active lifestyles into adulthood.

Designed for elementary, middle school and high school settings, Physical Best helps students identify movement opportunities that are personally enjoyable and meaningful.

Students gain the knowledge and skills to move with confidence and learn to:

  • Set personal health-related fitness goals;
  • Complete self-assessments to monitor progress;
  • Develop new goals to continue their physical literacy journey.

Physical Best is grounded in the latest scientific research and best practices, with activities aligned to SHAPE America’s National Physical Education Standards.

Each Physical Best activity includes teaching tips, variations and adaptations, making individual accommodations easier in physical education classes.

Want to know more about what makes Physical Best unique?
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Maximizing the Benefits of Physical Best

The Physical Best program provides teachers and education programs with the tools and support to deliver high-quality instruction that benefits students now and in the future.

K-12 Settings

HPE Teachers: Integrate Physical Best activities into your classes, attend hands-on workshops, and demonstrate your expertise by earning a Physical Best Specialist certificate.

District Coordinators/Administrators: Book on-site Physical Best workshops, purchase copies of the Physical Best text, and encourage teachers to take the certificate exam.

Higher Education Settings

Faculty: Integrate the Physical Best textbook into PETE courses and offer the Physical Best Specialist Certificate Exam as classwork, extra credit or a final assessment.

PETE Students: Strengthen your professional credentials before entering the workforce by studying the Physical Best text and earning a Physical Best Specialist certificate.

Higher Ed Bundles Available

Combine the Physical Best Specialist Exam and SHAPE America student membership into an affordable course bundle that strengthens professional preparation and connects PETE students to the national HPE community.

Ask About Higher Ed Bundles

Explore Physical Best Resources and Professional Learning

The Physical Best program includes resources, training and credentialing opportunities for:

  • K-12 physical educators;
  • District coordinators and administrators;
  • PETE faculty and their students.

Textbook

Used in undergraduate PETE courses nationwide and trusted by K-12 educators and administrators, this best-selling text has been updated to align with the new SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards. It also includes digital access to 250 ready-to-use activities for elementary and secondary settings.
Buy Newest Edition

Workshops

These all-new interactive Physical Best workshops equip teachers with practical strategies to enhance health-related fitness instruction and assessment in ways that are effective and relevant for today’s students. Workshops are available as half-day sessions or can be combined into a full-day Physical Best training for K-12 teams and districts.
View Workshop Details

Certificate Exam

This two-hour, multiple-choice test provides educators with a way to demonstrate competence in health-related fitness education instruction and assessment. The exam is also frequently used in PETE programs as an assessment tool — or extra credit opportunity — for classes that use the Physical Best textbook.
View Exam Details

Study Guide

Created in response to educator requests, this study guide supports preparation for the Physical Best Specialist Certificate Exam. Perfect for PETE students and K-12 teachers using the latest edition of the Physical Best text, as well as certificate holders nearing renewal.
View Study Guide Details

What Makes Physical Best Unique?

Physical Best blends current scientific research with practical experience from physical educators nationwide. Here’s what sets Physical Best apart and makes it valuable for educators and students:

  • Comprehensive framework: Physical Best teaches health-related fitness and nutrition concepts in the activity setting, helping students value and understand the connection to a healthy lifestyle. An emphasis on individualized assessment, personal goal setting and reflection motivates students throughout their physical literacy journey.
  • Active participation: Small-group activities keep students moving and engaged, providing frequent practice opportunities and minimizing wait time.
  • Individualized activities: Physical Best allows students to work at their own fitness level and modify activities to meet their needs, goals and abilities — without losing the activity’s health-related benefits. This flexibility fosters enjoyment, encourages personal success and supports inclusion for all learners.
  • Tools for lifelong activity: The program’s activities provide opportunities to practice the important skills of self-assessment, personal goal setting and reflection, building knowledge and motivation to support lifelong fitness.
  • Health-related physical activity: Safe, sequential activities focus on personal improvement rather than unrealistic standards. Teachers and students use assessment results to create individualized plans for continued progress.
  • Adherence to standards: Physical Best was developed to help teachers meet national standards for physical education and health education, as well as other national physical activity guidelines.

How to Become a Physical Best Specialist

Updated exam available starting August 2026. Sign-up details coming soon!

The Physical Best Specialist certificate recognizes demonstrated competence in health-related fitness education. Earning the certificate requires a score of at least 80% on the Physical Best Specialist Certificate Exam.

Exam Details:

  • Two-hour timed, open-book exam;
  • 50 multiple-choice questions;
  • Certificate valid for five years;
  • Facilitated through the SHAPE America Online Institute.

Who Can Take the Exam:

  • Educators who have attended a full-day Physical Best training and purchased the text;
  • PETE students who have used the Physical Best textbook as part of a college course;
  • Previous or current certificate holders who wish to renew;
  • New! Individuals who self-study after purchasing both the Physical Best text and the Physical Best Specialist Certificate Study Guide.

Exam Pricing:

  • Members: $38.50
  • Non-Members: $55

All-New Physical Best Specialist Study Guide

Available August 2026. Order details coming soon!

This comprehensive study guide was designed to help educators prepare for the Physical Best Specialist Certificate Exam.

Perfect for:

  • K-12 educators who have attended a full-day workshop and want additional exam preparation;
  • K-12 educators who purchased the Physical Best text and prefer to self-study;
  • PETE students who want additional support in preparing for their course exam;
  • Educators with expiring Physical Best Specialist certificates.